July 19, 2008

First-hand account of heroic outpost defense in Afghanistan (updated)

On Sunday, July 13, a remote combat outpost near the village of Wanat in Afghanistan's rugged Kunar province on the Pakistan border was nearly overrun by a combined force of some 200 Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters.

July 12, 2008

Rest in Peace, Tony Snow

Tall, telegenic, affable Tony Snow first took the podium in the James S. Brady briefing room on May 16, 2006.

July 4, 2008

Fourth of July Celebratory History

From the history of this glorious 4th of July holiday to a catalogue of Notable Occurrences, chronologies of celebrations & musical events, and orations, addresses & sermons from the 1877 centennial, and more

May 26, 2008

The Noble and The Eloquent Dead

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. Three years after the Civil War ended the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans led by Major General John A. Logan, established it.

May 26, 2008

Justice Holmes on Memorial Day

The following is an excerpt from a Memorial Day speech delivered at a Grand Army of the Republic post in Keene, NH on May 30, 1884 by Civil War veteran Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes.

May 11, 2008

Mom: The Joy Of Her Life, The Grace Of Her Days

AT re-publishes a tribute to one mom, and to all moms this Mother's Day.

April 7, 2008

A rescue for Old Glory

Georgia resident Dan Turner does not stand for seeing the American Flag disrespected. But the results of his recent rescue are inspiring.

March 22, 2008

Remember the Liberators

Yesterday, the nation marked the fifth anniversary of our presenc in Iraq. It is past time to remember the liberators.

March 15, 2008

The Adventures of Dr. A. Conan Doyle

Over the course of his intellectually and physically active life Arthur Conan Doyle somehow found the time to write many hundreds of letters, a personal chronicle by the creator of Sherlock Holmes.

March 15, 2008

The Saddam-Al Qaeda link

Initial news stories about the Joint Forces Command report on the Saddam-Al Qaeda link featured headlines and gloating passage that no such link existed. The actual report disagrees with that verdict.

March 15, 2008

The Adventures of Dr. A. Conan Doyle

Over the course of his intellectually and physically active life Arthur Conan Doyle somehow found the time to write many hundreds of letters, constituting a personal chronicle by the creator of Sherlock Holmes

March 10, 2008

Iran continues to train killers for missions in Iraq

In his press briefing yesterday, Multi-National Force Iraq spokesman Rear Adm. Greg Smith made it very clear that Iran continues to train people for terrorist operations within Iraq.

March 4, 2008

Gen. Petraeus re Al Qaeda: 'Rip out their roots'

Talking with reporters yesterday, Multi-National Force commander, Gen. David Petraeus previewed his generally optimistic assessment of the situation in Iraq.

March 2, 2008

A Belated Posthumous Medal of Honor for a Sioux Warrior

Woodrow Wilson Keeble, who will recieve a belated posthumous Medal of Honor tomorrow, was born on the Sisseton-Wahpeton Indian reservation in 1917.

January 11, 2008

Iraqis are fighting for their freedom

The report yesterday of Iraqi soldiers sacrificing their lives by throwing themselves at a terror bomber and saving lives of their colleagues and civilians reminded me of an event last year

December 13, 2007

Saluting the National Guard on its 371st birthday

The National Guard has been there to serve and to sacrifice for 19 generations since 1636. Today, they continue to protect us, nearby and far away. For that they deserve our thanks.

December 8, 2007

SecDef: Iran still a threat

At a regional security meeting in Bahrain today, Defense Secretary Gates made it clear that, despite NIE key findings, Iran still poses a threat

December 7, 2007

It isn't about Iran?

Why does the Secretary of Defense say naval forces operations in the Persian Gulf are "not about Iran?"

December 4, 2007

Sharia for all

At a meeting of judiciary leaders from Islamic countries in Tehran, Iranian President Amedinejhad proposed formation of an international Islamic court.

December 4, 2007

Iran responds to NIE report: 'paying the price'?

Today's Islamic Republic News Agency website is carrying the following response to yesterday's release of the National Intelligence Estimate report on Iran's nuclear capabilities and intentions.

November 25, 2007

Update: Text 89279 and say 'Thank You'

More than 130,000 Americans sent messages of gratitude this week to the nation's troops through the "Giving Thanks" text messaging initiative.

November 18, 2007

Text 89279 and say 'Thank you'

A Pentagon website provides helpful advice on a way to say thanks to those who are far away from home this holiday season, risking their lives for us:

November 11, 2007

The Flag on Vetereans Day (a poem)

On Veterans Day the flag on high,/Against a brilliant November sky,/The cynosure of upturned faces,/Gazing upon its tri-colored graces - /Red for valor, white for purity & innocence, blue for/ Vigilance & perseverance

October 24, 2007

Understanding the Santa Ana winds

Many of us have heard about the Santa Ana winds that are currently feeding and extending the destructive fires in southern California, and wondered why they appear and disappear.

October 23, 2007

LT Murphy's Medal of Honor citation

Following remarks by President Bush during yesterday's posthumous Medal of Honor award ceremony for Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy, his official citation for actions above & beyond the call of duty was read.

October 22, 2007

Selfless Valor: Navy LT Michael P. Murphy

In a White House ceremony today at 2:30 PM, President Bush will award a posthumous Medal of Honor to the family of Navy LT Michael P. Murphy.

October 6, 2007

A bit of perspective on Blackwater

Congressional hearings on the Blackwater private security firm and various articles about it sustain a mostly negative image based on sensationalism and partisanship.

October 4, 2007

Comprehensive article on phony soldiers

In light of the ongoing discussion and debate over the Rush Limbaugh/"phony soldier" episode, Anne Morse's article in the Weekly Standard two years ago merits re-reading.

September 12, 2007

All the best, Tony -- God Bless You

Tall, telegenic, affable Tony Snow first took the podium in the James S. Brady briefing room on May 16, 2006.

September 10, 2007

Text of Gen. Petraeus' report available

The text of Multi-National Force-Iraq commander, General David Petraeus, can be read via this link.

September 3, 2007

Benchmarks and history

There is much discussion and debate about Iraq meeting its congressionally mandated benchmarks. Our own history contains its own roster of milestones.

August 28, 2007

The new acting AG

Paul Clement looks to be a solid conservative legal mind with strong grounding in terrorism matters.

July 29, 2007

A bogus strory (updated)

Yesterday's UK Telegraph carried a story by Damien McElroy headlined "Iraqi Leader Tells Bush: Get Petraeus Out"

July 20, 2007

Surging success in Iraq

"Our forces continue to strike wherever they hide," is how Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman Major Mark Young described a series of recent coalition raids targeted on Al Qaeda cells

July 18, 2007

General Wayne A. Downing, R.I.P (updated)

America has lost a distinguished Soldier, a true Warrior and a respected Leader. Gen. Wayne A. Downing, who led the United States Military's Special Operations Command prior to his retirement, died July 17, 2007.

July 18, 2007

Successful military ops in Iraq increasing (updated)

This article from the Defense Department website describes yet another successful operation conducted by US and Iraq forces against Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). Such successes are becoming the norm in and around Baghdad, and beyond.

July 13, 2007

Al Qaeda media center in Iraq

In his press briefing the other day MNF-Iraq spokesman, Maj. Gen. Bergner explained the discovery of a major enemy media center capable of producing DVDs, CDs (56 every 8 hrs.), posters, etc.

June 26, 2007

A winning counterinsurgency strategy

Dr. David Kilcullen, a retired Australian army Lt. Col. with 1st-hand experience of counter-insurgency operations in East Timor and elsewhere, has become one of the leading experts on the formulation of effective 21st century COIN doctrine.

June 23, 2007

The heroes who make us proud

At the close of his Pentagon teleconference yesterday, Multi-National Corps-Iraq commander, Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno spoke some inspiring words about Sgt. 1st Class Adin Salkanovic, B Troop, 6th Sqdn, 9th Cavalry Rgt, Ist Cavalry Division,

June 16, 2007

Know your enemy

In the spirit of "know your enemy" allow me to suggest that interested persons read the Hamas Covenant at the Middle East Research Institute website here.

June 6, 2007

D Day plus 63 years

June 6 is a sacred anniversary, the commemoration of one of the greatest invasions in human history, D-Day at Normandy.

May 28, 2007

Memorial Day Meditation

I remember Chuck Meerholz and the day I was supposed to drive. After four months with B Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Armor; four months of on-the-job-training for a guy trained as an infantrymen, I was being taught to drive our tank.

May 4, 2007

A true hero

US Army Major James Gant will be receiving the Silver Star for selfless, truly heroic actions in Iraq. He will join a group I have named the "Anonymous Heroes" because so few Americans know about their valorous actions.

April 11, 2007

Update on Baghdad security

On Sunday, Maj. Gen. Michael Barbero of the Joint Staff assessed the security situation in Baghdad in light of ongoing operations. It contains positives you won't read about in the MSM.

March 30, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tony Snow

A lot of us have been deeply upset about the horrible news that Tony Snow's cancer has spread to his liver.

March 25, 2007

What's new is old (a continuing series)

Never Call Retreat was the last of eminent historian Bruce Catton's Civil War series.

March 10, 2007

Arma Virumque Cano: "Of arms and the man, I sing,"

Reviewing TAKEDOWN: The 3rd Infantry Division's Twenty-One Day Assault on Baghdad, by Jim Lacey

March 10, 2007

Comic art from Iraq

A link to some outstanding comic looks at the folks who inhabit Forward Operating Bases, or FOBs

December 30, 2006

Comments of PM Maliki and Ambassador Khalizad on Saddam's execution

December 24, 2006

US troops embedded

One of the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group report calls for embedding US troops with Iraqi units. This is already being done.

December 20, 2006

General Casey looks back on the year

Multi-National Force Iraq commander, Gen. William Casey recently delivered a speech on the occasion of a major change in command. General Ray Odierno's 3rd Corps replaced General Peter Chiarelli's 5th Corps in Iraq.

December 11, 2006

Rumsfeld's last visit to troops as SECDEF

As reported in an American Forces Press Service article today, outgoing Defense Secretary Rumsfeld made a surprise visit to Iraq on Saturday.

September 30, 2006

National Intelligence Estimates: A Brief Overview

September 6, 2006

Winning The Battle For Baghdad

July 27, 2006

Meanwhile, Back in Baghdad

July 4, 2006

Reconnect with Our Founding Document

July 2, 2006

Clouds

June 22, 2006

Buried Successes

June 15, 2006

In the Aftermath, Forward Together

June 11, 2006

Killing Zarqawi

June 8, 2006

Eye on Somalia

June 2, 2006

Some Thoughts on Haditha

May 27, 2006

The Eloquent Dead

May 14, 2006

The Joy Of Her Life, The Grace Of Her Days

May 6, 2006

Not Quite the Whole Story

April 14, 2006

The Hidden History of the Iraq War Critics

April 1, 2006

On Jill Carroll's Release

March 16, 2006

Freedom's Anniversary

March 9, 2006

The Glass Half Full

February 22, 2006

Know Your Terrorist Enemy

February 11, 2006

Celebrating the Art of Illustration

January 27, 2006

A Major Voice From Iraq

December 28, 2005

Our Communicator-in-Chief

December 24, 2005

A Christmas sky in Iraq

December 14, 2005

Our Goal is Victory

December 8, 2005

Victory In Iraq, Part Two

December 6, 2005

Information: A Sword that Must be Wielded

November 24, 2005

No Substitute For Victory

November 12, 2005

Remembering the Alaska Scouts

November 2, 2005

How the Able Danger method bagged Saddam

October 29, 2005

The World Too Much With Us

October 18, 2005

Rededication

September 23, 2005

Time for a New Posse

August 29, 2005

The Company of anonymous heroes

August 12, 2005

The untold story behind The Great Raid

July 22, 2005

Westy: Our Commander-in-Chief to the end

July 11, 2005

Sustain the support

June 19, 2005

Dad

May 30, 2005

Memorial Day meditation

May 27, 2005

Fearful of the light

May 6, 2005

Hollywood does The Crusades

March 27, 2005

Denying Victory: a gray anatomy of combat

March 19, 2005

Karen Hughes and public diplomacy

March 13, 2005

Make that call today

March 3, 2005

Northwest To Victory

February 15, 2005

Hero Recognition Day?

February 11, 2005

A Naval hero's life

February 7, 2005

Warrior's words

January 26, 2005

An Empire For Liberty

January 20, 2005

The great story of America

January 13, 2005

Irreversible Momentum

December 28, 2004

A transformational deployment

December 24, 2004

A Christmas sky in Iraq

December 17, 2004

Donald Rumsfeld, patriot

December 13, 2004

Only a year ago

December 6, 2004

When a bodyguard of lies was possible

November 26, 2004

The triumph of perseverance

November 21, 2004

Some thoughts On Fallujah

November 11, 2004

A Silver Star at Ky Son

November 6, 2004

How the Swifties helped sink Kerry

October 27, 2004

The axis of animus

October 15, 2004

Happy Birthday, P.G. Wodehouse

October 11, 2004

Casus belli

October 8, 2004

Samarra In context

September 21, 2004

A persevering optimism

September 12, 2004

The Cruise of the Essex

September 11, 2004

The first big network smear

August 26, 2004

A matter of responsibility

August 23, 2004

A Riverine hero remembered

August 20, 2004

The Greeks had a word for it

August 13, 2004

Armada of honor

August 11, 2004

Call sign: Boston strangler

August 6, 2004

First look

August 3, 2004

Where's our movie?

July 29, 2004

The Unbearable Brightness of Being Ken

July 14, 2004

The Deception Warriors Gather

July 5, 2004

Remember the Liberators

June 20, 2004

Saturdays on the River

June 9, 2004

We the (Reagan) people

June 5, 2004

On Bloody Omaha

May 31, 2004

D-Day Plus 60

May 25, 2004

Iraq War refresher course

May 20, 2004

The Steeple at Vierville

May 13, 2004

Call sign: Boston strangler